Because I am a Woman

Abstract

This article chronicles the struggles, pain, challenges, and achievements of being a woman in a Malian society suffering from patriarchy, masculinity, sexism, and injustice. It reflects upon what I experienced as an African woman in that patriarchal context on my journey to education and how I was able to mediate schooling, gender norms, and patriarchal shackles to achieve success. In the end, this article uncovers ways to disrupt patriarchy in Malian schools and society.